Major Data Breach at ManpowerGroup Exposes Data of Over 144,000 Individuals
In a significant cybersecurity event, the global staffing and recruitment giant ManpowerGroup US Inc. has reported a major data breach, compromising the sensitive personal information of 144,180 people. The incident involved an unauthorized third party gaining access to the company’s network, putting current and former employees, as well as job applicants, at risk.
The company discovered the unauthorized activity on its network on April 5, 2024. Following an investigation with external cybersecurity experts, it was confirmed that sensitive files had been accessed and potentially stolen. ManpowerGroup has since begun sending official notification letters to all individuals whose information was involved in the security incident.
What Information Was Compromised?
The investigation revealed that the attackers gained access to a wide range of highly sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII). For those affected, the exposed data could be a critical tool for identity thieves and fraudsters.
According to the official notice filed with the Maine Attorney General’s office, the compromised information includes:
- Full Names
- Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
- Driver’s License Numbers or State Identification Card Numbers
- Financial Account Information (e.g., bank account numbers, credit/debit card numbers)
The exposure of this combination of data is particularly alarming. With access to names, SSNs, and financial details, criminals can attempt to open new lines of credit, file fraudulent tax returns, or commit other forms of identity theft.
What is ManpowerGroup Doing in Response?
ManpowerGroup has stated that upon discovering the breach, it took immediate steps to secure its network and launched a thorough investigation with the help of third-party forensic specialists. The company is also cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
To help mitigate the potential harm to affected individuals, ManpowerGroup is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through Experian. The official notification letters being mailed to victims contain detailed instructions on how to enroll in this service. It is crucial for anyone who receives a letter to sign up for this protection immediately.
How to Protect Yourself After This Data Breach
If you have ever applied for a job through Manpower or worked for the company, you should act under the assumption that your data may have been exposed. Even if you don’t receive a letter, practicing good digital hygiene is essential. Here are the critical steps you should take now to safeguard your identity and financial well-being.
1. Enroll in the Free Credit Monitoring: If you receive a notification letter, take advantage of the free credit monitoring service offered by Manpower. This is the best first line of defense, as it will alert you to any suspicious activity on your credit reports.
2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your file. This alert requires lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new account. For even stronger protection, consider a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit report entirely, making it much more difficult for thieves to open new lines of credit in your name.
3. Scrutinize Your Financial Statements: Carefully review your bank account, credit card, and other financial statements for any transactions you don’t recognize. Report any fraudulent activity to your financial institution immediately.
4. Be Vigilant Against Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals often use stolen data to launch targeted phishing attacks. Be extremely cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming to be from Manpower, your bank, or any other service. Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to these messages.
5. Secure Your Online Accounts: While passwords were not explicitly mentioned in the breach report, it is always a good security practice to update the passwords on your critical online accounts, especially for financial and email services. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
Staying proactive is the best way to minimize the damage from a data breach. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
Source: https://securityaffairs.com/181122/cyber-crime/manpower-data-breach-impacted-144180-individuals.html
